#381: Jordon Andreassen-University of Missouri | From Small-Town Iowa to the SEC

Most coaches don't start their careers thinking they'll become college track & field coaches.

In Episode 381 of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with University of Missouri Assistant Coach Jordon Andreassen to discuss her journey from a five-sport athlete at a small Iowa high school to coaching combined events and pole vault at one of the nation's premier SEC programs.

Jordon shares how an injury at Iowa State unexpectedly introduced her to coaching, the lessons she learned during five years at Graceland University, her growth at UAB, and the path that ultimately led her to Missouri. Along the way, she reflects on mentorship, recruiting, leadership, athlete development, and what it takes to thrive in collegiate coaching.

This conversation is full of authenticity, practical coaching wisdom, and a reminder that some of the best careers begin with opportunities we never planned for.

🎙️ Topics Include:✅ Growing up as a five-sport athlete in Iowa
✅ Being recruited to Iowa State by Pete Herber
✅ How injury sparked an interest in coaching
✅ Learning the profession at Graceland University
✅ Becoming a head coach at a young age
✅ Coaching at UAB and Missouri
✅ Recruiting in the modern college landscape
✅ Combined events coaching and athlete development
✅ The mentors who shaped her career
✅ Building relationships that impact athletes for life

Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!

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📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍